What can be included in the legal notice? Legally compliant on websites, social media & co.

If you run a business website, a social media profile or an online store, you cannot do without an imprint. But what exactly should be included? Where does the legal notice obligation even apply? And how can you protect yourself from warnings?

In this comprehensive guide, we clarify all questions relating to the legal notice - clearly explained and legally up to date.

Table of contents

1. 1. who needs an imprint at all?
2. 2 What must be included in the legal notice? The mandatory information
3. 3. imprint obligation on social media - what applies where?
4. 4. common mistakes - and how to avoid them
5. 5 Imprint & business address - what you need to know
6. 6 Conclusion: Use the imprint as an anchor of trust

1. who needs an imprint at all?

The obligation to provide a legal notice arises from Section 5 of the German Telemedia Act (TMG). It always applies if a website is operated on a "business-like" basis. This includes, among other things:

• Company websites
• Freelance portfolios
• Online stores and booking platforms
• Consulting sites, information portals with advertising
• Social media accounts with a commercial purpose

Private individuals are generally not affected

Only those who operate purely privately and without any intention of generating income can do without an imprint. But be careful: even an affiliate link or advertising banner can trigger the imprint obligation.

2 What must be included in the legal notice? The mandatory information

The exact content of the legal notice depends on your legal form. Here is an overview of the most important mandatory fields:

• Name and address: full first and last name or company name with summonable business address
• Authorized representatives: e.g. managing directors of a GmbH or UG
• Contact details: at least e-mail address and telephone number
• Register entry: for registered companies (e.g. HRB number, commercial register)
• Sales tax ID: if available
• Supervisory authority: if necessary (e.g. for financial or insurance service providers)

Important:

The information must be easily recognizable, directly accessible and permanently available - e.g. via a clearly named menu item "Imprint".

3. imprint obligation on social media - what applies where?

The legal notice obligation applies not only to your website, but also to business profiles on social networks. This is particularly important for:

• Instagram & TikTok: Insert imprint link in the bio (e.g. via Linktree)
• Facebook: Enter imprint directly in the profile or via "Page info"
• LinkedIn: currently not mandatory, but imprint link in profile is recommended

Extra tip:

Link to the legal notice of your website, provided it meets the requirements. Make sure that the link is labeled in accordance with the GDPR ("Imprint") and that the link is not hidden.

4. common mistakes - and how to avoid them

• PO box instead of address: A P.O. Box address is not legally sufficient.
• Missing or incorrect information: e.g. no managing director named or incorrect register entry
• "Hidden" imprint: It must be accessible with 1-2 clicks, otherwise there is a risk of a warning.

Avoid warnings:

Especially in the case of competition violations (e.g. missing imprint on Insta), there is a risk of expensive legal action. It is best to use a legally compliant imprint template or check your details regularly.

5 Imprint & business address - what you need to know

The business address in the legal notice is a particularly sensitive issue. This is because it is publicly visible - and must also be legally correct.

• No home address? If you don't want to give your home address, you need an alternative.
• Capable of being served & reachable: The address must be "deliverable", e.g. by means of a letterbox with a nameplate.
• Virtual business address: With providers like Teeberg, you get a legally compliant, summonable address in Berlin - including a contract for submission to the notary and authorities.

When is a virtual address useful?

A separate business address is particularly worthwhile for the self-employed, freelancers or digital nomads in order to maintain privacy and still appear professional.

6 Conclusion: Use the imprint as an anchor of trust

A legally compliant legal notice is not a formality, but strengthens the trust of your customers and protects you from warnings. Make sure you provide complete information, present it correctly - and clearly separate your private and business addresses.

If you don't want to make your private address public, Teeberg has the right solution for you: a virtual business address that meets all requirements - fast, digital and legally compliant.

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Do you want to protect your private address and still appear professional? Then find out now about the advantages of a virtual business address at Teeberg - directly in Berlin, completely digitally bookable and recognized by the trade office.